Landlord Drags Tenant To Court Over Alleged Unauthorized Partition of Ajah Apartment

BY PAUL IYOGHOJIE 

Operatives of the Nigerian Police Zone 2 Command, Lagos, have arrested a tenant in Ajah and arraigned him before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court for allegedly partitioning his rented apartment without the consent of his landlord.

The defendant, Henry Chijioke Chukwuma, 34, was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on willful damage to property.

Police alleged that the defendant rented a flat at Vintage Estate, Ajah, Lagos. Shortly after moving in, he allegedly carried out structural adjustments to the apartment, including changing the position of the bathroom door and damaging the wall.

Police said the unauthorized alterations breached building regulations guiding the property.

Following the development, the landlord, Moses Okeoma, petitioned the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Olohundare Jimoh. The AIG directed operatives to the property to prevent a possible breach of peace and to arrest the tenant.

After investigation by Inspector Odijile Eghonghon and his team, the defendant was charged before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island.

Police prosecuting counsel, SP Reuben Solomon, informed the court that the defendant ought to have obtained permission from his landlord before making any structural adjustments to the apartment.

Solomon said the action was contrary to government building regulations and is punishable under Section 337 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Magistrate Mrs. T.O. Abayomi granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The Magistrate adjourned the case to August 14, 2026 for mention.